A must read before travelling to Sweden for the first time.
Sweden, the Scandinavian jewel, is a country of unparalleled beauty. Located on the Scandinavian peninsula in northern Europe, Sweden is a country of striking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and modern urban landscapes. The country is famous for its stunning natural beauty, with vast forests, crystal-clear lakes, and picturesque coastlines. From the mesmerising northern lights in Lapland to the picturesque archipelagos in the south, Sweden offers diverse experiences for travellers. With serene beaches, limestone formations, and charming countryside, it can even be considered a haven for nature lovers and history buffs.
From modern cities to untouched Arctic wilderness, Sweden offers a Scandinavian experience that goes far beyond the stereotypes.
Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, happens to be one of the most stunning cities in the world. Built on 14 islands connected by bridges, the city is surrounded by water and offers stunning views from almost every corner. Stockholm, the biggest city of Sweden, offers a diverse array of experiences that caters to every traveller’s taste from its rich history to contemporary culinary delights. Boasting aesthetically designed architecture and modern art blended perfectly with the cobblestoned streets of the old town, this blend of different eras can also be witnessed in the restaurants in Stockholm, where they serve both traditional and modern Nordic cuisine. Among Stockholm’s must-see attractions is the city’s well-preserved mediaeval centre with its beautiful old churches, Royal palace, picturesque bridges, canals and cobblestone streets lined with cafes and shops. The lush green island of Djurgården is home to some of Stockholm’s most popular tourist attractions such as the Gröna Lund theme park, the Stockholm Zoo and the Skansen Open-Air Museum. A must-do is to view the city from atop the world’s largest round building, the Ericsson Globe. The Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet) in Stockholm is Sweden’s most popular museum, attracting around a million visitors annually. The museum is dedicated to a 17th century warship that sank on its maiden voyage. A visit to the Vasa, which houses 10 separate exhibitions and a further four museum ships, is a day out in itself. Another Stockholm museum worth visiting is Fotografiska, an innovative gallery of changing exhibits celebrating the art of photography. Stockholm’s Old Town, known as Gamla Stan, is a small concentrated area where the city began in the middle of the 13th century. The Old Town, unsurprisingly, is the oldest part of Stockholm. Stockholm Cathedral, also known as Storkyrkan, is the oldest church in Gamla Stan, the old town of Stockholm, Sweden. It is a beautiful example of Swedish Brick Gothic architecture and is known for its stunning interior, including the famous statue of St. George and the Dragon. The Stockholm City Hall is one of Sweden’s most famous buildings, and one of the capital’s most visited tourist attractions. It houses offices for 200 people including the Municipal Council, and is also famous for its grand ceremonial halls and unique art pieces.
Fairytale Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholms slott), on the island of Lovö, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from the 17th century, the palace is now the official residence of the Swedish Royal Family.
The vast Stockholm archipelago is a paradise of vacation homes, hiking trails, rugged coastlines, sailboats investigating serene coves, and untouched wilderness stretching almost 50 miles into the Baltic Sea. Larger islands like Vaxholm, Grinda, and Sandhamn are full of charming villages with amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and accommodations.
Sweden’s largest Baltic Sea island, Gotland, is a top destination, teeming with nearly 100 mediaeval churches within an area the size of Long Island. Gotland, known for its historic town and tranquil coastline, is a favoured summer vacation spot for Swedes and offers a diverse experience for international tourists. Visby town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packing a rich Viking history within its walls.
Home to Scandinavia’s oldest university, Uppsala stands as Sweden’s centre of knowledge with historic charm and peaceful walks available throughout the town. Uppsala Cathedral towers over the landscape, while neighbouring Gustavianum, the city’s oldest building, now serves as a fascinating art, architecture, and culture museum.
The Dalarna region and in particular Lake Siljan is a must-visit for all those interested in Scandinavian traditions. The area is perhaps best known as the home of the painted, wooden Dala Horse, a popular Swedish symbol. In the summer, Lake Siljan offers watersports, fishing, heritage boat trips, and swimming opportunities as the perfect alternative to a city break.
Situated along the Gota River Estuary on the country’s west coast, Gothenburg is an important seaport and Sweden’s second-largest city on its southwest coast. Lying around 240 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of Stockholm, it’s the capital of Vastragitalandlan county. Known as Gӧteborg, this coastal place is filled with beauty and fun things to do, including screaming on a thrill ride at Liseberg Amusement Park, looking for deer in Slottsskogen Park, and embarking on a seal safari in the Southern archipelago. Naturalists will enjoy the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, while creative types should visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art.
The Gothenburg landmark, Liseberg Amusement Park, opened in 1923, remains a true family favourite. Thrilling rides and roller coasters, regular concerts, and a wonderful Christmas market make this a popular attraction — the largest of its kind in Scandinavia — with locals and tourists alike.
Head to 338-acre Slottsskogen, a leafy park and mini-zoo in the heart of the city, also known as “Castle Park,” is a fantastic place to bring the entire family, free of cost.
Located on the edge of the park is the Gothenburg Museum of Natural History, a popular Gothenburg attraction for its dioramas of animals from around the globe.
The serene 432 acres of Gothenburg Botanical Garden (Botaniska) is a wonderful place to alleviate our restless mind. And with part nature reserve and arboretum, walking paths weaving through the trees, and partly cultivated gardens, this peaceful oasis is guaranteed to bust any stress that accompanied us on vacation. Gothenburg Museum of Art (Goteborgs Konstmuseum) hosts a collection of works that is regarded as one of the finest in Northern Europe, and it really shouldn’t be missed. Artists including Carl Larsson, Edvard Munch, Anders Zorn, Picasso, Chagall, Monet, Rembrandt, and many others featured here.
The city of Helsingborg is a home to the waterfront restaurants, ruins of the ancient castles and cobblestoned built streets. Along with the splendid architecture of the city, the locals also welcome foreigners with a smile as they walk down the streets.
The unusual geographical location and the beautiful sightings of nature makes the Swedish Lapland, Kiruna, a fascinating place to discover. The travellers come from far and wide to witness the exotic view of the Northern lights and the Midnight sun at the same place. Besides, it also has the highest mountain peak in Sweden to conquer and the world’s largest iron ore mine.
Located in the heart of Swedish Lapland, Abisko is a 77 km2 national park renowned for its natural beauty, wildlife and for being a hot spot for outdoor activities year-round. Located in the Swedish province of Lapland near the Norwegian border, Abisko National Park is known for its stunning natural beauty, including mountains, glaciers, lakes, and forests. The park is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching.
From Malmö city centre, a 15-minute drive takes visitors to the magnificent Oresund Bridge. This incredible engineering feat now links Sweden to Denmark, and in turn, the continent of Europe. The bridge is both rail and road, and on the Danish side, merges into a tunnel so as not to impact aircraft at Copenhagen airport.
